William
An excellent climax to the series which sees a lot of character growth for all the characters and really makes me want to see more of this universe. I must say that my main take away from this book was that I was really glad that I'd read the novellas. Those novellas are presented as optional but there are so many offhand references, developments in the universe and jumps in character experience that I really can't imagine reading this without first having read those stories (which are great anyway imho).
Overview: “Children of Memory” by Adrian Tchaikovsky represents a magnificent leap of imagination in the ongoing exploration of the alien, expanding upon the rich tapestry of the “Children of Time” series. Tchaikovsky introduces readers to a diverse crew of explorers culled from the previous books, embarking on a quest to uncover scattered remnants of old humanity who stumble across a planet with more mysteries than they expected.
More detailed thoughts: Tchaikovsky continues to skilfully weave his vast narrative landscape, opening with a succinct recap of key points from the previous books, which given the sheer complexity of the timeline, setting and menagerie/cast is really helpful to put it mildly. The tale unfolds through the lens of three waves of human exploration, firstly the ancient terraformers led by the ambitious (and grouchy) Avrana Kern, and then the desperate remnants of humanity seeking refuge, travelling aboard slow-moving ark ships.
The explorers of the third wave, or “current” era are the focus of the book, specifically one crew of explorers that includes a fascinating group of characters: a couple of crows (corvids) that operate in pairs, some spiders, a zero G octopus called Paul, a human, an uploaded replica of Kern's mind running on an ant-computer, and the entity currently identifying as “Miranda”, a once parasitic entity with memories encoded in her DNA. Together they embark on a journey to the potential target world Imir...yes they are going on an adventure!
The narrative unfolds in two layers—the fragile colony established on Imir by one of the ark ships and Miranda's intricate relationship with Liff, a key figure in the colony's survival. Liff's circumstances, reminiscent of a proto-medieval lifestyle with technological dependencies, agricultural practices, and vulnerability to superstition, contribute to the book's almost fantasy feel.
Tchaikovsky's storytelling prowess shines through as he weaves together the diverse threads of the crew's journey, exploring the complexities of human and non-human interactions, the consequences of ancient ambitions, and the dynamics of a society on the cusp of disaster.
Yet as the book progresses more and more elements seem to conflict, to not make sense...and it becomes clear that there is a much bigger, much deeper mystery at play in this story.
“Children of Memory” not only expands the scope of the series but also delves deeper into the philosophical implications of humanity's endeavours, offering a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience. Tchaikovsky's narrative mastery continues to elevate the “Children of Time” series, inviting readers to embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional science fiction.
I really, really hope that there is more to come in this series.
Overview: “Children of Ruin” by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a brilliantly crafted science fiction novel that seamlessly intertwines the narrative of a small science crew arriving to terraform a distant planet, with a narrative based much later exploring the consequences of their actions. Thought-provoking and intricately layered, the book delves into profound questions about intelligence, communication, and the unintended outcomes of our actions.
More detailed thoughts: Much like its predecessor, “Children of Ruin” continues Tchaikovsky's unique storytelling, offering a captivating exploration of complex themes. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a distant star system where humanity's legacy takes unexpected forms and rubs up against truly alien life. The novel introduces the awesome spectacle of spacefaring uplifted octopuses, adding a fascinating layer to the diverse tapestry of intelligent life.
The core of the story is the pursuit of a mysterious radio signal that leads the descendants of humanity and their arachnid allies to this distant star system. The challenges they encounter include not only the intricacies of communication with dancing zero G octopuses but also the presence of an intelligent alien microorganism that threatens the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Tchaikovsky's ability to juxtapose the development of spacefaring octopuses with the tale of the remnants of human civilization that first arrived in the system long ago is both skillful and thought-provoking. The novel maintains a delicate balance, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of intelligence, the consequences of our actions, and the nature of coexistence.
The author skillfully weaves together very different perspectives, providing gripping mini tales within the overarching narrative that explore the challenges and triumphs of the different species and groups. The revelations about the ultimate fate of the terraforming crew and the consequences of their actions add layers of depth to the narrative, prompting contemplation about the essence of existence.
“Children of Ruin” is not merely a science fiction novel; it is a profound meditation on the intricacies of life, intelligence, and the connections between different forms of consciousness. Tchaikovsky's storytelling prowess elevates the novel, inviting readers to ponder the broader implications of our choices and the ever-evolving nature of existence.
One Word Review: Awesome! (If you don't know the series, I really recommend Book 1:[b:Telepath 31300289 Telepath (Hive Mind, #1) Janet Edwards https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1469938072l/31300289.SY75.jpg 51967177])Short Review: “Adversary” keeps the Hive Mind series rolling with a bang. It's all about relationships—family, friends, culture. Ms Edwards nails character growth while handing out out intense action scenes and some seriously tense confrontations. The plot ties up nicely, but there's a clear sign we're in for more. Can't wait!Longer Review (no spoilers, promise!): So, in “Adversary,” Janet Edwards dives into the complex world of relationships, especially during the critical New Year period. It's like catching up with old friends. The characters evolve, and it feels like you're right there with them.When Ms Edwards puts the pieces of the plot puzzle together, it's like fireworks. Action scenes? Oh, they're top-notch, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Tense debates, Poirot style confrontations? Check. Every moment of this not only moves the story forward but also adds layers to the characters. It's like she's got this perfect recipe for blending action and character growth.The wrap-up of the current plot is spot-on. You're left feeling satisfied (in my case almost euphoric), but Ms Edwards is cunning — there are clear signs that more world-building goodness is on the horizon in books yet to come. “Adversary” just cranks up the excitement for what's next. Janet Edwards knows how to keep the momentum going in the Hive Mind series. After this, I'm back counting the days until the next instalment, but even more so than last time.In a nutshell, “Adversary” rocks. If you're into characters you can care for and cheer for, heart-pounding action, and a a world that feel read and like a giant puzzle at the same time, this series is perfect. Seriously, dive in!Note: This review was delayed due to me just not knowing how to get my feelings together - I am so invested in these characters. Janet Edwards is certainly my favorite author.
A very thought provoking short fantasy story. A very slow start in a good way, with strong careful, well unfolded character development leading to an explosion of an ending which brought all the threads together. I didn't mean to finish it so fast. When I got my hands on it I just intended to open the file and check the font size etc. I ended up reading the first chapter before I could stop myself. Later I decided to read the next chapter. That was when I read the rest of the book in one sitting in one of those “I don't care if the building is on fire, I'M READING!” moods.
So yes, this was a really good read and to those who have read it, I say: I refuse to throw this book on the fire.
Overview: A slow political story with high stakes and good characters in an intriguing fantasy setting.
More Details: I found this story increasingly frustrating to the extent that I just wanted it to be finished (the sign of a bad book) - yet I couldn't put it down and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it (the sign of an excellent book). So I'm confused. Do I hate or love this book?
• The Pros: The characters were great, the Rookery characters were fascinating the "Rookery Gang" were a total bunch of likable but unique characters that I really wanted to find out more about and basically just wanted to spend time with and get to know. The main character Ryx was likable enough that you cared about her, but never felt like a cardboard cut-out “good guy”, she felt believable, flawed, yet very sympathetic. Even the secondary characters were very interesting and I would like to have found out more about them.
The world was very interesting, the (Ravenloftish) Witch Lord and Land system and the Republican Empire are like a siren call - I just want to find out more about this world and the history that made it this way.
• The Cons: It is frustratingly slow and very political. For the first half of the book I was thinking “Wow, this book just keeps adding foreshadowing and raising the stakes, when this kicks off it is going to be epic!” Except of course it doesn't kick off. OK I know there are a couple of big scenes in the Shrike Lord's hall and the final showdown with Grandmother which are breathtaking, and this is book 1 of 3 - but given that 95% of the book is essentially political maneuvering and backstabbing I was starting to just wish that anything would happen just invade or open the gate already! Unleash armageddon! At least I won't have to sit through another meeting!.
If this was Lord of the Rings, the story would start at the opening of the Council of Elrond, and the Council would sit around arguing and threatening to invade each other for the entire first book, while becoming increasingly nervous about that giant flaming eye that keeps getting bigger...but not nervous enough to actually agree to do anything about anything.
I think this analogy highlights my two biggest frustrations. Firstly, in LotR they go on a Very Long Walk. Lots of people make fun of that, but I loved getting to see the world. In this book we get to know some (very interesting) rooms very well, and that's pretty much it. Secondly this book is essentially about a bunch of nations having endless meetings and being unable to unite even when the negotiators are fully aware that failure to do so will result in the death of millions and the possible downfall of civilisation.
I guess I'd already read that story in the news that morning.
• On Balance: As frustrating as I found the book I'm still giving it four stars, which if you hover over the star thingy when rating a book you'll find means “Really Liked It”. That is because this is a story that it really well told. The characters, the setting, the plot - excellent. Yes the way it was told isn't my thing - I basically hate political stories - but even though this was the kind of story I hate, this author got me to read the whole darn thing and strongly consider reading the sequel. The author is that good! If she can get me that engaged in the sort of story I hate - this thing must be mind blowing for someone who enjoys political stories.... and those characters are just great.
So I'm still confused about my feelings for this book, but one thing I'm sure of is that this is an author who really knows how to write!
This is book two in the fascinating, yet funny, Tinkered Starsong series. It does feel very much like book 2 in a trilogy. It starts out full steam with great characters, humorously bizarre situations and a universe of wonders that we are just scratching the surface of (I want more!).
The middle part slows right down and becomes much more slow and serious. I won't say I was bored, it was very obviously laying the groundwork for what is to come - but I was nevertheless frustrated because I wanted to see more of this world!
In the final third Ms Carriger just takes the gloves off (knowing her, probably tasteful silk gloves). It is no-holds-barred awesomeness after awesomeness with stunning scenes and insights exploding in your skull with no recovery time, leaving me turning the final page with a little sad whimper that the book had ended.
I'm looking forward to book three, but I really, really, really hope that Ms Carriger explores more corners and aspects of this universe in further books.
Thank you Ms Carriger for all the great characters, the crazy/amazing worlds, the great laughs, and the tense moments when I forgot to breathe. You are a great writer and I can't wait for more!
I am told that this series gets really good, though this first novel did not contain any evidence of future greatness.
Writing style: Flat and dispassionate.
Characters: Annoying and two dimensional.
Plot: Gratingly predictable.
That said, I've read enough series in which later books are utter classics, but the early books are a slog. I will probably come back and give book 2 a try - but I feel I really need to read something different first for the sake of my teeth - I was grinding them through most of this book.
I have absolutely loved the Vampire Knitting Club series. They blend great characters, fun humour and increasingly brain stretching puzzles to make them top entertainment. When I saw that there was going to be a spin-off following Jennifer in Cornwall (my old stomping grounds) I was over the moon. Now I've read it, I have thoughts.
Pros:
• Excellent setting! I don't just mean that the Cornish landscape is great (it is), but the fictional village and surroundings are already the most interesting of all of Nancy Warren's witchy books - there are so many places and features that she has barely touched on and I can't wait to find out more.
• Excellent characters! There were quite a range of characters introduced in this little book, and so many of them struck me as being really fascinating, I want to spend more time with them and get to know them better.
• Actually about Cornwall OK this is a brighter, almost Studio Ghibli version of Cornwall, but Nancy Warren has clearly spent some time there and appreciated a real pasty (not the spawn of Cthulhu that goes by the name of Ginsters). I did catch a Cornish character talking about “going to the end of the block” a phrase I don't think any West Country soul would ever utter, but that's a minor detail.
Cons:
• Well...just the one “Con”, but it is significant. I felt that the ending was very rushed. I honestly felt that the author had spent the book carefully and gently weaving a beautiful landscape and threading in an intriguing mystery, and then realised that she had to hand it in tomorrow. (minor spoiler: Suddenly from one sentence to the next Jennifer figures the whole thing out, soon after that the story jumps ahead in time to the big show down/reveal and then the story is over in little over a chapter. ). Now, Nancy Warren is a really good writer and even though it was rushed it still gave me that warm glow that I get with her books, I still enjoyed it. I was just really surprised that it was suddenly over, I felt a bit like those cartoon characters that run over a cliff and hover there for a moment before they realise that they've run out of ground.
Overall:
An absolutely great start to a new series (I hope), with a rushed ending, but I can't wait to read more!
OK this is very, very silly, AND SO GOOD!This takes place in Ms Carriger's Tinkered Stars setting (which I want more of). Humans are just one of a plethora of creatures among the stars. Our main character, Phex is a human barista who enjoys singing along to songs while performing his day job. This all changes when a talent scout arrives from a race that has essentially turned constructing music bands into a religion. Phex is recruited to become a “god”.This is very silly in the best possible sense. The characters are warm and real and will make you really root for them no matter how ridiculous the situation is. The autor is so good that you can be laughing at what is essentially “Milky Way's Got Talent” while still really hoping that Phex pulls off the next song. I do think (while not required) that having read the excellent [b:Crudrat 21448330 Crudrat Gail Carriger https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394657129l/21448330.SX50.jpg 40756525] helped, only because it adds a deeper understanding to some references in the book.I am so looking forward to the next book.
This is a different book. The style of the plot and the feel of the world reminded me of old pulpy sword and sorcery tales from well back in the 20th century those stories had a sense of wonder at the world and a sort of glee at crazy ideas or the possibilities of magic- but far too many had paper thin characters, few female characters worth speaking of and spotty descriptions.
This book is not like that.
This book has that old fashioned sense of wonder, it has the feeling of glee at the possibilities of magic and it has plenty of crazy ideas - but Martha Wells takes all of the good parts of sword and sorcery and then she adds huge, rich layers of characterisation, gorgeous description and deep characterisation to make this a book that creates a world and a cast that feel real and make your brain hum like a crystal glass.
If I have one negative it is that this feels very much like an introduction to the people and the world. The plot does resolve itself - Ms Wells is not cheating us. It's just that I have that edgy feeling I get when I was halfway through a really nice cup of tea and someone tidied it up before I was finished.
I really want more from this world!
Another great adventure following Will the Ranger. This time they have to travel to the land across the sea (ahem...Ireland) and save a kingdom there from a terrible fake cult before that cult can take over and invade their homeland. Many adventures ensue and we learn more of the past of the enigmatic Ranger Halt. Good stuff.
This has all the traits of a fun adventure - a grave injustice, a looming threat, a plucky hero and a band of misfits teaming up, each bringing a skill to the table. It was a really good fun adventure suitable for the younger reader, but with one moment towards the end that I thought went too far when the big bad guy gets acid thrown in his face, he could have just been knocked on the head and fallen out the window. Did we really have to have a description of him running around the room while his eyes burnt out? That was just nasty but aside from that one incident I would say that this was another excellent adventure.
Overview: A weird fantasy in the style of [a:China Miéville 33918 China Miéville https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1243988363p2/33918.jpg]'s [b:Perdido Street Station 68494 Perdido Street Station (New Crobuzon, #1) China Miéville https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680461055l/68494.SY75.jpg 3221410], told very skillfully in chapters from different points of view, resulting in a very satisfying experience.More detailed thoughts to be added shortly - this book really left my head spinning in a really good way.
Another highly enjoyable episode in this entry-level fantasy series.
In this book our hero, Will, has to deal with some unexpected but very serious threats without the guidance of his mentor, Halt. Is he up to the job? Can he save the kingdom? Will the highly cute but sick dog be OK? You'll have to read this series to find out!
A really good story, targeted at younger readers, but enjoyable by more mature readers.
Book 5 of Ranger's Apprentice (by internal chronology)
I'm reading these books in the order they happen and I have zero complaints. This is my favorite of the series so far. Given the cover I feel that it is not a spoiler to say that Ranger's Apprentice Will is trying to help his old friend Erak who is being held for ransom in a desert land. Epic adventures ensue in which Will does a lot of growing up. The action climax was excellently written and the book's ending was just wonderful.
This series is highly enjoyable for long-time fantasy readers of the somewhat older persuasion (eg. myself), but would serve as an excellent introduction to the genre for younger readers (such as the amazing young individual who recommended the series to me).
Overview: A thought provoking, beautiful, haunting and disturbing story from one of the most skilled writers of today.
More detailed thoughts: Arkady Martine has not published much fiction, however her debut Texicalaan Series has impressed me as possibly the highest quality, most thought provoking, moving, and beautifully written fiction of this century so far. That is very high praise, though looking at a list of awards for those books shows that I'm not alone in being impressed.
Of course I was a little nervous trying this book. It was the first non-Texicalaan book that I'd read of hers and instead of being based in a wholly imagined society, it was based in China Lake USA. I knew it would be different - but was I going to be disappointed. Were the Texicalaan books a fluke?
This story, which centres around a sealed AI managed house in the desert containing a mysterious death, is very different to the Texicalaan books. In many ways it is the opposite. The Texicalaan stories were a riot of the senses - of colours, tastes, smells, sounds and textures and there were so many different people with such varied personalities.
When I think of this book I think of the sound of wind-blown sand.
This book is quiet, it is slow, there is little action. There is a lot of reflection, questioning. The text itself is so cleverly written - both in the words themselves, but also in the use of layout and punctuation - that things do not need to be said. The story and the investigation progresses, but the questions that the reader is invited to ask of themselves and the world grows.
By the end I felt like I could scarcely breathe.
This is one of those books that is an experience. I'm not sure that a review can do it justice. It is profoundly different to the Texicalaan books, but like them you really have to read them to appreciate what make them special. It is the experience and the questions that experience raises that make these works of art.
A heroic tale continuing on this great introduction to epic fantasy for younger readers. Far more adventure and comradeship than the previous, more serious entry - which to be honest was a welcome relief. The author's skill seems to be on full show, combining moral and educational details with humour and heroic action in just the right amounts - and bringing it all to an excellent and satisfying conclusion.
Overview: A rather sombre addition to this excellent fantasy series intended for younger readers.
More detailed thoughts: This series is an excellent introduction for younger readers to the epic fantasy genre. That said, be aware that this is a more serious episode than the previous two. It deals with the serious topics of slavery and drug addiction as well as being painfully, frighteningly cold. In my opinion it deals with these themes in a mature and appropriate way that educates while providing strong character development. At times things look pretty hopeless and depressing, but have faith in the author - the ending is not the simple one you might expect from a book aimed at younger readers - but it is deeply satisfying and I admit to having to give my eyes a little wipe at the final scene.
Overview: A cleverly written, thought provoking SF book that follows an arkship containing the last of humanity, interwoven with the rise of spider civilisation on their destination world, terraformed long ago.
More detailed thoughts: “Children of Time” by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a thought-provoking story that raises questions of the meaning of being human, human civilization and the unforeseen consequences of our actions, creating a captivating and immersive story.
At the heart of the tale lies Dr. Avrana Kern, a scientist leading an ambitious scientific endeavour to transform an inhospitable planet into a thriving ecosystem. However, as the delicate balance of the project teeters, the introduction of a genetically engineered virus meant to accelerate the evolution of primates becomes a catalyst for unforeseen turmoil. The onset of human conflict and the unfortunate fate of a barrel of monkeys, paves the way for the virus to permeate unintended organisms, most notably the brilliantly depicted spiders of the Portia labiata species.
Tchaikovsky excels at presenting the stark contrast between the spiders' rapid progression and the gradual decline of human civilization. It's a delicate dance that prompts us to reflect on our species' flaws and the fragility of our world.
Character development shines through. We not only see gripping short stories set at key moments in the rise of spider civilisation, we have a parallel series of tales as members of the crew of the ark ship, containing the last humans, are periodically awoken to deal with a series of crises. The dark and – frankly terrifying fate of Dr. Avrana Kern is revealed throughout the book, raising deep questions as to the nature of self and – quite frankly – what the ultimate superlative for horror is.
“Children of Time” not only paints a vivid world but also encourages us to question our own humanity. The blending of evolutionary themes, conflicts, and the consequences of our choices invites deep reflection about our place in the grand scheme of things. Tchaikovsky skilfully weaves these elements together, uplifting the novel beyond a simple tale.
Overview: In the far future two ships meet in a strange void and discover that that they are from different times. They must work together to escape the void and ensure that history follows its original path.
More detailed thoughts: This sounded like a great set up, in fact it sounded like something Asimov or Clarke would have come up with. Those old “Golden Age” stories really shone in “Escape Room” style puzzles. Put a bunch of people in a seemingly impossible situation and they have to jury-rig and logic their way out of it.
That's what I expected. It didn't go so well in that regard.
Here's the Pros and Cons:
Pro: The Characters
I loved the characters, the older ship felt very much like “Trotter's Independent Traders In Space” - a bunch of charming but dodgy characters way out of their depth. The newer ship was full of a bunch of very normal, well meaning people who had to put up with corporate nonsense and slogans that everyone knows is nonsense - but they grit their teeth because the job aint bad and it pays OK... and now they may have to save the universe. That's fun!
Con: The Flashbacks
I'm a fan of flashbacks - the sort where every other chapter gives extra depth to the character and hints to the plot. Not everyone does, but I like it. Though not this time. Pretty much every flashback was slow and didn't reveal anything much. They seemed to lead up to an exciting moment - then cut back to the present for an off-hand comment “Oh yeah, then X happened.” which was the scene I'd been waiting to see. So they basically skipped the interesting parts.
There was one exception the scene crossing the bridge when the brother dies that was harsh but was real character development.
Con: The Magic Puzzle Solving
In the Golden Age SF stories I mentioned, the fun was trying to figure out the answer before the characters. All the clues were there, you just had to put them together - just like reading a good murder mystery. Here the problem was that everything was immensely contrived - things will appear or happen just because “they had to”. Now the author does justify this in a magical handwavy way - but it still took all the fun out of it.
Con: The Predictability
OK maybe it was just me. I don't think I'm unusually bright, however every darned thing happened exactly as I expected. I assumed there would be red herrings, but all herrings were normal coloured and leaping into the net lemming-style.
Conclusion:
I liked the book. I think mostly it was because the characters were so charming, I wanted to spend more time with them and I wished them well. The plot however was like one of those fireworks that look really exciting, make a pretty flash and a “Whurp” sound. It was pretty, but it left you wanting something with a bit... well...more
Overview: A good adventure and an excellent introduction to epic fantasy for a younger reader. A short cozy read for a more experienced reader
This book was given to me as a gift by some awesome young people, and I'm very grateful as it was a really good fun read. The story follows Will, an orphan boy who has been brought up as a “Castle Ward”. It is time for “The Choosing”, a ceremony in which he will be chosen by a guild for training. Poor Will is too small to be of much use to anyone, he thinks, until he he selected by the local Ranger for training. Adventures ensue...
This little book was an absolute delight. I was so happy when I heard it was coming out and once I started to read it I didn't want it to end. As usual the characters were great and the worldbuilding was fascinating. The mystery itself was intriguing and had me chasing after a few red herrings.
....and if I'm perfectly honest I was just over the moon to see more of Lucy and Rafe :-)
Overview: A confusing start, then a slow beginning that leads to an awesome story and a world that just sucks you in.The Cons: I've known of this book for a long time - if you like Epic Fantasy this is pretty much the biggest thing around, but I've been put off by two things:1: It's smegging huge. There are five books and counting and book 1 is 1000 pages. If you want resolution you've got to be in it for the long haul!2: The beginning. I tried to read this a couple of times before and basically read the first chapter and just thought “What the heck did I just read?”.OK so lets deal with issue 1 - the size. After reading several of the author's other (shorter) books I've developed a bit of a trust for him. I've seen how he always seems to have a plan and a goal. He builds to a grand satisfying ending - but still throws in enough development and excitement that you don't feel bored along the way. So I decided to trust him and really give this epic a go. Which left me with...Issue 2- The baffling opening. I decided to just power on through the “What the heck?” opening. I still had not a clue who anyone was or what was happening or where this took place. I ended that section with pretty much a sum total of 0 info gained. Then I carried on reading. By about two thirds of the way through the book I'd figured out what that chapter is for:If you are thinking of reading this book - Important info: You are not meant to understand the opening yet.Instead the opening is just a bunch of clues to be figured out as the plot unfolds. Also it takes place in ancient history (think of Sauron's loss of the ring in LotR).So what I'm saying is, don't worry if you don't get it, it's nothing like the rest of the book.The Pros: Once you get past the barriers to entry, you are introduced to a rich and different world, and to characters that are fascinating and a plot that slowly unfolds more like a world-spanning murder mystery than anything else. I particularly liked the character of Dalimar myself, but really all the characters were great.The world is really different. This is not your classic Medieval England riff, this is a world with a very different ecology and set up. I was somewhat reminded of the Pern series by [a:Anne McCaffrey 26 Anne McCaffrey https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1666324369p2/26.jpg] in the way that the ecology and society has developed in strange ways to cope with extreme weather-ish conditions. I ended up spending an inordinate amount of time just thinking about the world and the Highstorms and imagining what it must be like to live there.And then there is the action. As always with Sanderson the action is tied up with the characters and so rewarding there is one utter classic moment...a classic for all fantasy when BRIDGE FOUR GOES BACK! that makes the hair on my arms stand on end just thinking about it.I'm already reading book 2 and loving it.